New research center in Freiberg: focus on animal welfare and stable climate!

New research center in Freiberg: focus on animal welfare and stable climate!

On July 15, 2025, a new research center for sustainable animal husbandry was launched in Freiberg. This center is the result of an alliance of scientists, private individuals and companies who want to work together to improve conditions in livestock farming. A central goal of this project is to optimize the stable climate in order to promote the welfare of the animals and reduce emissions. The first research project was started at the beginning of 2025 to investigate greenhouse gas emissions in dairy cattle stables.

This project reflects the growing urgency to meet environmental and animal welfare responsibilities, particularly in light of future climate extremes. Because of these extreme climatic conditions, it is expected that both the animals and the stable technology will have to become the focus of research. Sensors and modern technologies offer a promising basis for monitoring and improving stable conditions, as Prof. Barbara Benz from the Nürtingen-Geislingen-Geislingen University of Applied Sciences (HfWU) was able to discover during a visit to a corresponding farm in Bad Wurzach.

Modern technology in the stable

In the company mentioned, Hämmerle GbR, modern technology was used to promote animal welfare and at the same time limit emissions. The example of this cooperative illustrates how the European Innovation Partnerships (EIP) support collaboration between practice, science and industry. By using an automatic milking system, the herd has adapted well to the new conditions, which is of great importance to the farm managers.

The establishment of the research center in Freiberg is seen as an important step in addressing the challenges of modern animal husbandry. Collaboration between academic institutions and industry promises to develop effective solutions that meet both animal welfare and environmental standards.